Meet Featured Artist Donna Anthony of Donna's Delights!

What is your business’ name?  Donna’s Delights and I'm Donna Anthony!

What sort of items do you make? I make handmade Soaps, Lotions, Balms, Scrubs, Deodorant, Laundry Soap and various knitted items.  Last year I started a line called Twisted Tees.  Hand knitted bags, rugs and such made from repurposed t-shirts.  I also reserve the right to learn something new that may end up in my booth.

Some of Donna's soaps displayed.

When and how did you learn your craft?   While on vacation at my parents, we learned how to make soap.  When that soap ran out my daughter kept asking when I was going to make some more.  After doing a lot of research online I finally started to make soap and immediately went into business.

Donna's Delights at Eclectic Calico
in Madison, NC

Where do you get your inspiration from?  I get a lot of my inspirations from the grocery store.  Many of my ideas come from the baking section.  I get my colors from nature so I am always looking at spices, roots, clays and such to come up with different colors. Nature has given us many gifts and I take it as a challenge to use them to make a great product that is healthy for our bodies. I also pay attention to my customers and if there is enough interest in something I will do my best to make it and have it available.

Handbag made from re-purposed
t-shirts and leather belt.

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out?  I have met many people just starting out.  I do my best to pass on the lessons that I have learned over the years and do my best to lend a hand.  I also tell them to not get discouraged in the beginning.  It takes time to build up a business and use every show as a lesson.  After over 5 years I am still learning. Also to be prepared for anything.   

Want to see more of Donna's Delights?  Visit her website at: http://donnas-delights.blogspot.com/

Tent Weights – Who Needs Them?

By Elizabeth L’Eplattenier of EBL Designs

Photos courtesy of Donna Anthony of Donna's Delights

With the Summer markets  just around the corner, I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of proper tent weights.  The First Friday Indie Market clearly states on its application: “Tent weights are a MUST. You can purchase them at any sporting goods store or make your own. A good weight for EACH LEG is about 20 lbs.”  As you can see in the photos throughout this article, the Market had good reason to make tent weights a requirement.

My very first outdoor craft show required tent weights; in fact, they wouldn't even let you set up your tent without inspecting them first.  I thought that was a little harsh until the first big gust of wind came.  It doesn't take a lot of wind to lift your tent off the ground – it’s basically a 100 square feet of a kite! 

As I signed up for more and more shows, I just assumed it was required to have tent weights.  Then I was at a show in May 2013.  I think I was one of the only vendors with tent weights, and I was definitely the only tent that didn't take off!  Throughout the day, I watched people frantically hold down their tents in order to keep them from flying away.  Then the unspeakable happen.  A tent literally flipped over and through the space taking out tables, merchandise and even a couple of people.  Luckily, no one was hurt, but a lot of damage was done to that seller’s stock.  I know I can’t afford to lose everything in my tent, can you?

If you’re planning on making your own tent weights, just know, milk/water jugs with sand or gravel will not give you enough weight, nor will cinder blocks that are not attached to the tent.  You need to have at least 20 lbs per leg with the weight tied to the canopy in order to significantly secure your tent.  I personally like to use at least 25 lbs per leg.  Just resting the weights on the feet of your tent will not work - it needs to be tied down.  All legs must be tied down and not just one or two - in fact, all legs should have 20-25 lbs on each and tying the rope just around the legs will not properly secure them either.  The weight needs to be attached either through the frame of the tent or to the canopy.

The First Friday Indie Market has a new rule in regards to tent weights.  If they do not consider your weights to be enough to hold the tent, then you will be asked to remove the canopy to your tent.  This rule is in place to not only protect you and your merchandise, but other vendors, market guest and the public.  Just think - a fly-away tent could be the least of your problems with it happens.  It could damage other vendors merchandise, customers, cars, windows to building, and I could go on, but I hope you get the point.

For more information on how to make your own tent weights or where to buy:

•   Tent Weights on Amazon
•  How to make weights for your tent for less than $30
•  Tent Weights to Anchor Your Craft Canopy 
•  How to make your own Tent Weights

Meet Featured Artist Sarah Love of SarahLovesLamps!

What is your business’ name?

SarahLovesLamps and I’m Sarah Love!

What sort of items do you make?

I make functional art in the form of custom lampshades. The lampshades are made with a special lampshade backing and then covered with fabric. There are so many great fabrics available now, that using fabric to decorate a lampshade can personalize and accentuate a lamp.  At my booth I sell lamp bases, shades, pendant lighting and vintage items. In addition, I also custom make lampshades to fit customer's lamp bases.

When and how did you learn your craft?

I started out experimenting with lamps when I would buy vintage lamp bases that came with broken, unusable shades. I loved the bases, but needed to improve the shades. Wanting to improve my shades led me to teach myself my craft by reading about lamps and lampshade design. Then I started making shades and I was hooked. It takes a lot of time and patience to make a lampshade, but I really enjoy the process.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from friends, family, and junk. I have many friends that are creative muses. Their work inspires me to be crafty and unique. My family, especially my father, instilled the thrill of searching for hidden treasures in others' junk.

How did you get started doing this as a business?

I have always loved lamps - hence the name SarahLovesLamps - but always had trouble finding the perfect shade. I would see a lamp base that I loved, but then the base would either be missing a shade or the shade would be in horrible condition. Buying a new shade was always such a headache because pre-made shades are astronomically expensive and/or boring. So, I set out to solve the problem myself by creating my own lampshades. I found the results so satisfying, that I wanted to share my art with others.

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out?

Going from creating and crafting to a business is a learning process. Every time I do something new, it takes a long time for me to figure out what I want to do, and how I want to go about it. It's frustrating, I get angry, I make mistakes, but I always try to remind myself that the next time I do the same thing, it will be easier. Try to be easy on yourself and remember that everything is a process.

Anything else you would like to share?

Lampshades can be both fun and functional. I love making lampshades and am thrilled every time someone appreciates my work.

SarahLovesLamps will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on June 6, 2014.  The market is located on the corner of MKL and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9pm. 

Want to see more of SarahLovesLamps?  Find her on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/sarahloveslamp

Meet Featured Artist Rebecca Miles of Sweetgum Puppets!

What is your business’ name?

Sweetgum Puppets and I’m Rebecca Miles!

What sort of items do you make?

I make fleece hand puppets and finger puppets – about 40 different animals and creatures.  I also do beadwork and quilts.

When and how did you learn your craft?

I started making puppets with my young nephews about 25 years ago, sewing by hand.  A friend gave me a sewing machine and things developed.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get inspiration from animals, imagination, and hilarious wild fabrics.  I love bright, silly-looking puppets.  And I get inspiration from the custom orders people give me – most recently a polka-dot elephant.

How did you get started doing this as a business?

I got started making bead jewelry and quilting, and then moved into puppets over the past ten years.  The puppets have exploded.  Last year, I was part of Bennett College’s EVA program (Entrepreneurial Visual Artists).  It was a seminar for about 18 women artists, teaching us about the business angles of our art.  It was great!  Now I take part in craft shows, and sell puppets in shops and online.  My ETSY shop (sweetgumpuppets.etsy.com) and Facebook page enable me to sell all over the world.

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out?

Talk to other crafters and explore the Internet.

Sweetgum Puppets will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on June 6, 2014.  The market is located on the corner of MKL and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9pm. 

Want to see more of Sweetgum Puppets?  Visit Sweetgum Puppets’ Etsy shop at: sweetgumpuppets.etsy.com.

Meet Featured Artist Kim Koltzau of Steampunk Cellars!

What is your business’ name?

Steampunk Cellars, jewelry and accessories for the slightly askew and I am Kim Koltzau!

What sort of items do you make?

I make jewelry and accessories, some mixed media, and some sculptured from polymer clay. I make pins, brooches, earrings, hairpins, necklaces, etc. I also make small sculptures. I get bored easily so I am always changing it up.

When and how did you learn your craft?

I have been making jewelry for about ten years and working with polymer for about three years. I always like to try new things, so I had bought a book on polymer clay techniques, and decided to give it a try. I worked my way through the book slowly, trying to find a style that I felt was me. It’s amazing what you can learn from reading a book. Since then I have expanded my knowledge base a bit, and feel like I have found my niche.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Ha ha! I am up way too late at night. No, I really love science fiction and fantasy, both book and on the screen. There are a number of artists I follow on Facebook and Tumblr, as well as friends that work with polymer like I do, and we bounce ideas and concepts back and forth between us. My customers also give me a lot of ideas, and I keep a list. If it’s something I think I can make in my style, I give it a try.

How did you get started doing this as a business?

I think it happened the same way it does for most artists and crafters. A lot of encouragement from friends and family, and plenty of persistence. 

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out?

If you are looking for an easy or quick way to make money, crafting and artisan work is not it. It takes a lot more time than you would ever imagine, more work than you put in as an employee, and family that is supportive and willing to hear you cry and get upset at failure. Startup costs, supplies, and show entry fees can add up. If you can push past that, join art support groups. Talk to others at shows, listen to their advice on shows and how they have been successful. Develop an online presence. Always be positive with your customers both online and in person. And most importantly, listen to your customers, the good and bad. It will help you shape your product, and figure out what your target market is, and how to reach them. 

Anything else you would like to share? 

I love the First Friday Indie Market. While I am not always able to be there, I use the opportunity to reconnect with local crafters, buy things I am out of, like soap and coffee and yummy banana pudding, and develop relationships with my repeat customers. I am so excited to be back this year, even if I had to wait until June!

Steampunk Cellars will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on June 6, 2014.  The market is located on the corner of MKL and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9pm. 

Want to see more of Steampunk Cellars?  Check out Kim’s Etsy shop at: www.steampunkcellars.etsy.com or find her on Facebook at: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=248137198584232

Come Out and Celebrate the 4th of July at the First Friday Indie Market!

The First Friday Indie Market is changing times for the 4th of July! We'll be open from 10:00 am until 6:30 pm as part of the festivities in downtown Greensboro! Interested in being a vendor? Applications are open until June 10th! For more information, please click here.

Meet Featured Artist Woody Cavenaugh of Delwood's Barbecue LLC!

What is your business’ name?  Delwood’s Barbecue LLC and I’m Woody Cavenaugh!

What sort of items do you make?  Barbecue Sauce, Marinade, and Pig Pickin’s at your home.  Coming soon:  Pimento Cheese and Pub Cheese!

When and how did you learn your craft?  I am a classically trained buccaneer in the old style.  I was around it since I was born but I wasn’t allowed to so much as pick up a shovel until I was in my 20’s.  Under my father’s watchful eye I was able to lead cook a pig in my 30’s.  He died satisfied in the knowledge that he had created a master in his own image.

Where do you get your inspiration from?  I find inspiration in the Steampunk subculture.  It allows me to be very true to the history of Eastern NC barbecue yet still be allowed my own flights of fancy.

How did you get started doing this as a business?  After my father died I inherited his pig cooker and gear.  Learning this, a friend of mine asked me to cook a pig for his wedding.  It went well enough that his guest (and subsequently their guests at later events) convinced me that I needed to sell sauce and cook pigs for a living, thus my destiny was finally revealed to me.

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out?   Be aware that the career destination that you think is your calling, may only be a starting point to something tangential to that.   I used pimento cheese as a vehicle to demonstrate the versatility of my sauce.  Now I’m in the pimento cheese and pub cheese business as well.

Delwood’s Barbecue LLC will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on April 4, 2014.  The market is located on the corner of MKL and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9pm. 

Want to see more of Delwood’s Barbecue LLC?  Check out Woody’s Facebook page at: https://facebook.com/delwoodsbbq